Asia will believe the United States is serious about long-term engagement with the region when a U.S. president talks to the American people about why Asia is important to the United States. More precisely, they will believe the United States is genuinely focused when they see a U.S. leader change the paradigm and cast away the anachronistic political calculus that suggests talking about foreign policy and trade will not win you votes.

A real leader would have the political courage, national interest at heart, and capability to paint a realistic picture of the importance of Asia today—its vibrancy, dynamism, economic growth, and, indeed, its risks—and tell Americans why they have to raise their game, move to a new level of competitive acumen, and be part of Asia.

Asians will believe in a substantive and sustained U.S. refocusing on their part of the world when a U.S. president sets about building the political foundation for engagement in Asia here on U.S. soil. Practically, this means when Asians see and hear a president who is clear and unapologetic about the fact that Asia is fundamental to the economic health, prosperity, and future security of the United States.

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The Week That Was

• Clinton says United States to lift ban on Myanmar imports
• Mass labor protests across Indonesia call for more workers’ rights
• Philippine government and Moro rebels reach peace deal

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Looking Ahead

• Discussion on climate change and Indonesia’s marine resources
• Discussion on Taiwan’s role in sovereignty disputes
• Rachmat Gobel to speak at CSIS

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ASIA WILL BELIEVE THE UNITED STATES IS IN THE GAME FOR THE LONG TERM WHEN...

By Ernest Bower, Senior Adviser and Chair for Southeast Asia Studies, CSIS

Asia will believe the United States is serious about long-term engagement with the region when a U.S. president talks to the American people about why Asia is important to the United States. More precisely, they will believe the United States is genuinely focused when they see a U.S. leader change the paradigm and cast away the anachronistic political calculus that suggests talking about foreign policy and trade will not win you votes.

A real leader would have the political courage, national interest at heart, and capability to paint a realistic picture of the importance of Asia today—its vibrancy, dynamism, economic growth, and, indeed, its risks—and tell Americans why they have to raise their game, move to a new level of competitive acumen, and be part of Asia.

Asians will believe in a substantive and sustained U.S. refocusing on their part of the world when a U.S. president sets about building the political foundation for engagement in Asia here on U.S. soil. Practically, this means when Asians see and hear a president who is clear and unapologetic about the fact that Asia is fundamental to the economic health, prosperity, and future security of the United States.

Where the messages are delivered is fundamentally important. An effective U.S. leader cannot build a political platform in the United States by making speeches in Tokyo or Singapore—these points must be made convincingly in places like Akron, Ohio; Tuscaloosa, Mississippi; and Houston, Texas.

A Window of Opportunity

Asians will not always be concerned about having the United States engaged in growing their economies, helping to protect Asian peace, promoting regional security, and spurring innovation. But for now, the region needs and wants the United States to be more involved and more present.

The reasons Asia is now encouraging the United States to be part of its future go well beyond the fact that China has raised anxieties among its neighbors about what it wants to do with its fast-developing economic power. The United States is a major investor and market for Asian countries in its own right, represents an openness and governance model that promotes liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness, and its educational models drive innovation. Even more, the United States has provided a security assurance in Asia that has allowed the region to grow and prosper. U.S. investments in the public good in Asia have borne real benefits, especially during times of crisis such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and Cyclone Nargis in 2008, but also in everyday concerns like health, education, and regional security.

Asia is changing fast. Cold War political realities dominated by authoritarian regimes and strong top-down leadership models have crumbled all around the region in the last decade. If Time Magazine were to name a man of the year for Asia over the last year, it would be “The Asian Voter.”

Asian citizens are gaining a voice in their political systems and they have real and urgent needs and desires. Governments are struggling to address this new paradigm because institutions, which were purposely kept weak by autocrats in the past, are inadequate to meet new demands. Politicians are scrambling to adjust, leading some to dangerously reach out for jingoistic themes such as nationalism.

An empowered and growing number of Asians have high expectations of their governments. They want economic growth, and that means that a peaceful, strong, and economically prosperous China must be part of the equation. They also want political models that allow for respect, upward mobility, and delivery of basic public goods. In this area, no Asian countries are aspiring to emulate Chinese governance models. Instead, they are interested in adapting key parts of the governance models of the United States and other democracies.

If the United States does not use this window of opportunity to increase its equity in Asia, the enthusiastic welcome will surely fade and the region will seek other solutions and models to fulfill its rapidly expanding needs.

Why Is This hard?

If telling Americans why Asia is important makes so much sense, why is it hard to do?

The answer is that U.S. citizens have not been encouraged to learn about, travel to, or do business with Asia in a sustained and strategic manner. Many Americans do not know what Bangkok or Beijing looks like; they do not know that the airports in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore would make most airports in the United States blush; and they have not worked shoulder to shoulder with Asian colleagues who have most of the same wants and needs they do.

The truth is that this situation will not get any better if the United States does not find a leader—in the true sense of that word—who understands Asia and has the political courage to tell his or her campaign advisers, “I am changing the rules. I do not care if talking about Asia to Americans will not win me votes. Americans need to know about this part of the world and what it means to us, and for the sake of the health, safety, and prosperity of this country, I am going to tell them about it.”

When such a leader emerges, he or she will have the strong support of the substantial majority of Asians—from every country. And though that leader may shock political jockeys and spin doctors, he or she will eventually have a place in U.S. history and the support of a new generation of Americans filled with hope and confidence. That president will have my support and my vote.

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The Week That Was

Myanmar

Peace activists could face charges for holding protests without permission. Thirteen organizers of a September 20 Peace Day march in Yangon that called for an end to civil war between government forces and Myanmar’s ethnic minorities face possible charges for holding protests without government permission. The activists applied for permits September 17 and were turned down by the authorities. Myanmar’s new public assembly law, passed in December 2011, legalized protests within certain limits. The organizers could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Clinton says United States to lift ban on Myanmar imports. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton September 26 said the United States will ease restrictions on imports from Myanmar in recognition of its continued progress on reform. Clinton made the announcement while meeting Myanmar president Thein Sein on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Thein Sein addressed the general assembly the next day, praising opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and calling for support from the international community.

Rohingya garner attention at UN, blamed for unrest in Bangladesh. Myanmar president Thein Sein September 29 discussed the issue of Rohingya Muslims in western Myanmar with UN chief Ban Ki-moon and head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. An OIC committee called on Myanmar to grant the Rohingya citizenship rights, while Ban warned that the unrest in western Myanmar could spill across international borders. Bangladeshi authorities October 1 accused Rohingyas of taking part in attacks on Buddhist temples on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

International organizations step up assistance to Myanmar. The World Bank September 26 announced plans to allocate $85 million in grants for rural development projects in Myanmar. The package will target communities in conflict areas and select townships in the country. The International Monetary Fund and the Japanese Finance Ministry meanwhile met in Tokyo October 10 to seek ways to relieve Myanmar’s debt to Japan. Japan is currently Myanmar’s largest creditor.

Indonesia

Mass labor protests across Indonesia call for more workers’ rights. More than 2 million protestors from over 700 companies gathered across Indonesia October 3 to call for an increased minimum wage, better health care, and enforcement of laws that prevent job outsourcing. The instability brought about by the recent protests in the manufacturing sector has already negatively affected investor confidence. The Indonesian government is struggling to balance increasing income inequality with the need to attract foreign investment ahead of the 2014 presidential elections.

House passes law to boost defense industry. The Indonesian House of Representatives October 2 passed a law placing weapons and defense equipment producers under the authority of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of State Enterprises. The law aims to create a self-sufficient defense industry by providing fiscal incentives, technology transfer requirements for foreign companies, and capacity-building education programs to strengthen the country’s fledgling defense industry.

Parties refuse to lower threshold for presidential candidates. Indonesia’s three largest parties—the Democratic Party, Golkar, and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle—October 1 refused to support a move by the Gerindra party to lower the threshold for parties to nominate presidential candidates. Under the current law, only parties that garner at least 25 percent of the popular vote and hold 20 percent of the seats in the parliament can nominate presidents. Spokesmen from the three major parties denied allegations that they are deliberately attempting to block Gerindra’s presumed candidate and early favorite, retired former general Prabowo Subianto, from running in 2014.

Corruption Eradication Commission, legislature grapple with anti-graft law amendment. Indonesia’s House of Representatives October 3 abandoned plans to pass amendments to weaken the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) by removing its sole authority to prosecute corruption cases. Proposed changes also included the creation of an oversight body that could order the cessation of investigations and the removal of the KPK’s power to wiretap suspected corrupt officials. Democracy and human rights groups had called on legislators to preserve the power of the KPK, which has initiated a series of high-profile investigations of officials and legislators in recent years.

China’s slowing economy hinders Indonesian growth. China’s economic slowdown has led to weaker demand for key Indonesian commodities, especially coal, according to an October 7 Wall Street Journal report. Global coal prices have plunged 20 percent in 2012, and Indonesia’s coal-mining association was recently forced to slash its production forecast for the year by 13 percent. The government responded earlier this year with rules requiring Indonesian miners by 2014 to refine coal domestically before exporting it to raise its value. Observers worry that falling commodity prices could devalue Indonesia’s currency, stoking inflation and hampering economic growth.

Vietnam

Communist Party Central Committee convenes plenum. The Vietnamese Communist Party opened its sixth plenum October 1 in Hanoi. The plenum, which is slated to run through October 15, is focusing on issues of official corruption, slow economic growth and rising inflation, and reform of state-owned enterprises and the banking sector. The meeting takes place amid speculation of infighting within the party’s senior leadership and the possibility of efforts to curtail the powers of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and reshuffle some government cabinet ministers.

Former minister turned businessman under house arrest amid banking scandal. Vietnamese police September 27 announced that Tran Xuan Gia, former minister of planning and investment and former Asia Commercial Bank (ACB) chairman, is being kept under house arrest. Gia, along with three other ACB executives, will likely be prosecuted for “deliberate wrongdoing causing serious consequences.” Citing health problems, Gia resigned from the bank September 20, a day after authorities announced more severe charges against ACB cofounder Nguyen Duc Kien.

Vietnam to allow full foreign ownership of some financial services companies. Vietnam October 2 issued a draft measure that will allow full foreign ownership of securities firms and some joint-stock companies. Currently, foreigners can only set up wholly owned securities firms after two years of operations in the country and own only up to 49 percent of the registered capital of publicly listed joint-stock companies. The Vietnamese government seeks to attract more foreign investment in order to maintain high economic growth rates.

Vietnam courts overseas Vietnamese. Vietnam September 27 hosted delegates of the overseas Vietnamese community in Ho Chi Minh City. Politburo and Party Central Committee Secretariat member Le Hong Anh and vice president Nguyen Thi Doan attended the meeting. Vietnam plans to step up efforts to engage the overseas community in national economic development and integration with the international community. Approximately 4.5 million Vietnamese are living and working abroad in 103 countries, and overseas remittances have been growing 15 percent annually in recent years, reaching almost $3 billion in the first nine months of 2012, according to local press reports.

Thailand

Thai cabinet extends rice subsidies despite declining exports. Thailand’s cabinet October 2 approved an extension of the government’s rice-buying scheme, which the administration of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra launched in late 2011. Under the plan, which was a key plank of the ruling party’s election campaign last year, the government purchases rice from farmers at a guaranteed price in an effort to boost rural incomes. The scheme has been criticized for corrupt implementation and making Thai rice uncompetitive on the global market, as India and Vietnam have boosted production and driven down global prices.

Deputy Prime Minister resigns, Yingluck denies talks of cabinet reshuffle. Rumors of an imminent cabinet reshuffle in Thailand are swirling after the September 28 resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit following his conviction for malfeasance in the handling of a 2002 land case. Four days later, Yongyuth also stepped down from his position as Pheu Thai party leader and parliamentarian. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra denied that a reshuffle is imminent, but a group of Pheu Thai parliamentarians threw fuel on the fire October 6–7, when they traveled to Hong Kong for a meeting with Yingluck’s brother, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, reportedly to lobby for cabinet seats.

Thai government races to pass anti-money laundering bills. Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office has presented two bills to the parliament to tackle money laundering and financial support for terrorism, which the office hopes will be enacted by February 2013. Europe’s Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in February downgraded Thailand to its watch list for failing to control financial misconduct. The FATF imposes restrictions on countries on the watch list, limiting their ability to complete financial transactions with foreign countries. Passage of the draft legislation will allow Thailand to ask to be removed from the list.

Thailand belatedly approves NASA climate study at U-tapao. Defense Minister Sukumpol Sawanatat said October 4 that the Thai government belatedly approved NASA’s controversial request to use the U-tapao military airport to conduct a Southeast Asia climate study. NASA had abandoned the project after the government failed to approve its request before a June 26 deadline amid strong opposition from the opposition Democrat Party and other groups. The study was originally scheduled to take place over a three-month period in 2012. NASA has said it is unsure if it will be able to attempt the study again in 2013.

Philippines

Philippines says Western embassies secured following threats on U.S. citizens. The Philippines announced September 30 it had secured the British, Australian, Canadian, and U.S. embassies following an unspecified threat detected by the U.S. Embassy September 28 against American citizens in Manila. The embassy said U.S. intelligence agencies received information from “reliable security forces” about a potential attack in Pasay City, where the United States maintains a residential facility and a Veterans Affairs office. The other three embassies joined in issuing a warning to their citizens as the Philippines augmented security around Western interests.

Government and Moro rebels reach peace deal. President Benigno Aquino announced October 7 that Manila had reached a framework agreement for peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The agreement is a critical step in ending the MILF’s decades-long insurgency in the southern Philippines. The agreement establishes a new political entity in the predominantly Muslim enclave of Mindanao that will have wide-ranging autonomy in local governance. The national government will preserve authority over defense, foreign affairs, and monetary policy. The deal also guarantees equitable revenue and resource sharing for the widely underdeveloped region.

Controversial cybercrime law suspended amid widespread protests. The Philippine Supreme Court October 9 suspended for 120 days a controversial new cybercrime law that took effect October 3 amid widespread opposition and daily viral protests from “hacktivists” shutting down government websites. Critics are lambasting the bill as a gross violation of constitutionally enshrined free speech rights and an overreaction by the government. The bill classifies as cybercrimes not only fraud and hacking, but also online libel, pornography, cybersex, and other unrelated activities. Several petitions have been filed challenging the act’s constitutionality and the Supreme Court said it will take up the case January 15, 2013.

Candidates register for 2013 midterm elections. Candidates traveled to offices of the Commission on Elections throughout the Philippines October 1–5 to register to run in national, regional, and local midterm elections in 2013. The elections are expected to be a critical litmus test of support for President Benigno Aquino’s reform agenda aimed at curbing corruption and poverty. Familiar registrants included ousted president Joseph Estrada and Imelda Marcos, widow of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Former president Arroyo arrested for third time. Authorities October 4 arrested former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on charges of corruption stemming from alleged misuse of public funds. The Philippines’ anti-graft court has accused Arroyo and nine others of embezzling $7.2 million in state lottery funds. The arrest marks Arroyo’s third indictment in a lengthy legal battle with the government of President Benigno Aquino, which has prioritized tackling corruption and promoting good governance.

United States, Philippines begin joint military exercises. U.S. and Philippine marines October 8 kicked off 10 days of joint exercises centered on disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and maritime security. The exercises, called Amphibious Landing Exercises, include 2,600 U.S. and 1,200 Philippine marines, as well as a number of U.S. naval vessels. The United States is seeking to increase bilateral training exercises like these as part of its larger rebalancing toward the Asia Pacific.

South China Sea

Philippine officials deny major troop buildup in South China Sea. Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, head of the Philippines’ Western Command, denied rumors October 1 that the country had deployed 800 marines to the island of Palawan on the South China Sea. Sabban said fewer than 100 personnel had been deployed to the area to support existing troops and blamed an “apparent miscommunication” by military officials for the confusion. He also insisted that the limited troop buildup was defensive and should not alarm other South China Sea claimants.

China accelerates construction in South China Sea. The Philippines said September 30 its surveillance revealed increased Chinese construction in the Spratly Islands, and an official Chinese web portal reported the same in the newly formed Sansha City in the Paracel Islands. The construction includes a satellite dish and extension of platforms in the Spratlys, and housing, infrastructure, and water-supply projects in Sansha City. China and the four ASEAN claimants signed a declaration of conduct in 2002 promising to forego new construction on disputed features in the South China Sea.

ASEAN members circulate draft code of conduct during UN General Assembly. Indonesian foreign minister Marty Natalegawa September 27 circulated for the first time a draft code of conduct on maritime disputes in the South China Seaduring a sideline meeting between ASEAN ministers at the UN General Assembly. The ministers agreed to elevate Thailand, as a non-claimant, to the role of key “mediator” between ASEAN and China. Philippine foreign affairs secretary Albert Del Rosario on October 2 challenged the UN to intervene in the dispute and fulfill its mission of “protecting the weak from the strong.”

China defends use of surveillance drones in South China Sea. Yang Yujun, an official with China’s defense ministry, September 27 reaffirmed China’s plans to employ unmanned drones to monitor activity in disputed areas of the South China Sea. China plans to use the drones over Scarborough Shoal, the Spratly Islands, and their adjacent waters. The Philippines has said it may fire on drones that enter territory claimed by Manila. Yang countered with China’s oft-repeated claim to “indisputable sovereignty” in those areas.

Malaysia

Government unveils 2013 budget, fuels election speculation. The Malaysian government September 28 released its $81.7 billion budget for 2013. The budget includes significant social spending for the poor, young people, the agriculture sector, and small and medium-size enterprises. The timing for when certain budget items kick in has fueled speculation that Prime Minister Najib Razak will wait until after the benefits of spending begin to be felt in early 2013 to call national elections, which must be held by June.

Astro IPO continues trend of successful offerings by Malaysian companies. Cable TV-company Astro on October 4 priced its initial public offering at $0.97 per share, which would earn the company $1.52 billion when the stock lists October 19. Shares of the company are heavily oversubscribed, and analysts expect Astro to continue the trend of successful Malaysian IPOs in 2012. Astro is the third Malaysian corporation in recent months to buck the global trend of weak IPOs. Strong domestic demand, pump-priming by the central bank, and restrictions on large shareholders quickly selling shares appear to be major factors driving the success of Malaysian IPOs.

Malaysian court rules that publishing is a basic right. A Malaysian court ruled October 1 that the right to publish is part of the fundamental guarantees of freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution. The ruling was in response to a lawsuit by independent news website Malaysiakini, which had its application for a publishing license rejected by the government. The court ordered the government to reconsider the application. Critics hailed the decision as the first such classification of the right to publish as protected expression in Malaysia. Online and print newspapers and magazines in Malaysia must apply each year for a permit, which critics charge stifles press freedom.

Singapore

Home prices hit record high. The Singapore government October 1 released a report showing that home prices in the city-state have hit a record high. Rising prices were exasperated by a government decision, set to go into effect in November, to limit the number of homes that can be developed outside the city’s central area to discourage the growing trend of tiny dwellings, called “shoebox apartments.” Singapore is rapidly running out of land for development, leading the government to look to Malaysia’s neighboring state of Johor as a satellite site for industry, tourism, and housing.

Singapore may impose stricter controls on foreign labor. Singapore’s acting minister for manpower, Tan Chuan-Jin, unveiled a plan September 30 to set further limits on the inflow of foreign workers if needed to boost citizens’ wages, ease strains on infrastructure, and help assuage growing antiforeigner sentiment. Tan warned that Singapore must balance its attempts to combat these problems with the reality that its sizeable foreign workforce has proven vital to economic growth.

Singaporean, Philippine, Thai, and Myanmar firms form rice consortium. Singapore’s Radiant Stone Pte. Ltd signed an agreement in September with Philippines-based SL Agritech, Myanmar’s IBTC Group, and Thailand’s Capital Rice International to form a regional consortium to produce and export rice to growing markets in China and Indonesia, according to an October 2 announcement from Agritech. The Philippine corporation will contribute rice technology, Capital Rice will handle global marketing, and IBTC will provide land for production in Myanmar, where low costs and tax incentives will make it most profitable. The group expects to complete a feasibility study by December 2012 and begin production in 2013.

Cambodia

Radio broadcaster and government critic sentenced to 20 years in prison. A Phnom Penh court October 1 sentenced radio operator and government critic Mam Sonando to 20 years in prison on charges of instigating a secessionist uprising in Kratie Province. Three others allegedly involved in the uprising were sentenced in absentia. Human rights groups condemned the court’s decision as an example of the government’s increasing restrictions on freedom of expression. Sonando and his wife maintain his innocence and said they will file an appeal.

Cambodia aims for first offshore oil production in 2013. The Cambodian government and U.S. oil giant Chevron hope to finalize a contract for oil production in Cambodian waters in the Gulf of Thailand by the end of 2012, a government official said September 26. The agreement will mark Cambodia’s first attempt at oil production. Most of Cambodia’s oil and gas reserves are believed to be in offshore areas disputed with Thailand. Cambodia is likely to take in 70-80 percent of revenues generated by the endeavor.

ASEAN

ASEAN backs Vietnam’s bid for UN Human Rights Council. Foreign ministers of ASEAN member countries October 1 pledged support for Vietnam’s candidacy for a 2014–2016 seat on the UN Human Rights Council. The officials voiced their support following an informal ASEAN foreign ministers meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The announcement comes amid Vietnam’s heightened Internet crackdown and just a week after Vietnamese authorities sentenced three pro-democracy bloggers to lengthy jail sentences.

ASEAN officials meet for maritime conference. Government officials and security experts from ASEAN member countries gathered in Manila October 3–5 for the opening of the annual ASEAN maritime security conference. The conference focused on protecting water resources, freedom of navigation, and measures to resolve differences in the South China Sea disputes among members ahead of the ASEAN Summit in November. A draft code of conduct for parties in the South China Sea is being circulated among ASEAN members.

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste seeking $3 billion in unpaid taxes from oil and gas companies. An 18-month forensic audit of tax payments October 1 revealed that multinational oil and gas companies operating in the Timor Sea, including U.S.-based ConocoPhillips and Australia’s Woodside Petroleum, owe as much as $3 billion in unpaid taxes. ConocoPhillips has contested the government’s assessment, insisting that it has paid all taxes owed. Timor-Leste, one of the poorest and least developed countries in the Asia-Pacific region, has already collected $362 million since early 2011 from resource corporations, and instructed companies with outstanding tax underpayments that their debts could skyrocket with interest and penalties added.

United States, Timor-Leste begin joint military exercises. U.S. and Timorese military forces October 10 began a seven-day training exercise, Exercise Crocodilo 2012. Troops will cooperate to build joint operational capabilities in military police training, jungle warfare, aviation, and other fields. U.S. personnel seek to improve relations with Timorese communities by offering medical and dental services and collaborating on rehabilitation and construction projects.

Timor-Leste plans to become medium-income country by 2030. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão September 25 unveiled a development plan at the UN General Assembly that aims to lift Timor-Leste from low to medium-high income status by 2030. Gusmão cautioned that, despite the plan, Timor-Leste would not meet its 2015 UN Millennium Development Goals to reduce poverty and hunger, and improve access to education and health care. He also lauded the United Nations for including Timor-Leste finance minister Emilia Pires in a high-level panel on global development.

Brunei

Brunei urges United Nations to be consensus-based like ASEAN. Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah September 27 called on the United Nations to gradually adjust its structures to better reflect today’s globalized world during a speech to the UN General Assembly. He pointed to the growth of regional bodies such as ASEAN that operate on “consensus rather than compromise and confrontation” as a model. Brunei will take over the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2013.

ILO pushes Brunei to ratify labor convention. The International Labor Organization (ILO) October 3 encouraged Brunei to ratify the 2006 Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) during a workshop that included participants from government agencies and the shipping sector. The MLC consolidates labor standards outlined by the ILO and would help level the playing field between Brunei and 30 MLC-compliant countries. Bruneian ships will face possible detention and docking delays if the country does not sign the MLC before the convention takes effect August 20, 2013.

Mekong River

Reports say Chinese dam a threat to the Mekong. The newly built Nuozhadu dam in China’s Yunnan Province, which went on line in September, is a threat to the Mekong River ecosystem and will cause rapid changes in water levels in the Lower Mekong Basin, according to an October 1 report by United Press International. The report cites work by the Stimson Center and Australia-based Lowy Institute arguing that the dam will alter the river’s productive capabilities and negatively impact millions of people downstream who rely on the Mekong for agriculture and commerce. The dam will produce an estimated 24,000 gigawatts of electricity per year for use in China, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

Chinese court convicts six for murder of Chinese sailors. Myanmar drug lord Naw Kham September 21 pleaded guilty in a Kunming court and offered financial compensation for the murder of 13 Chinese sailors on the Mekong in 2011. The court found six defendants guilty of murder, drug trafficking, and kidnapping in connection with the deaths of the sailors, who were found floating in the river in the notorious Golden Triangle region, known for drug production.

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Looking Ahead

Discussion on climate change and Indonesia’s marine resources. Partnerships for International Strategies in Asia and the United States-Indonesia Society October 15 will host Indroyono Soesilo, executive secretary of Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for People’s Welfare. Soesilo will speak about Indonesia’s challenges in coping with climate change, particularly as related to its potential marine resources. The event will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Elliot School of International Affairs, Lindner Family Commons, Room 602, 1957 E Street, NW. Please click here to RSVP.

Series of events in Yangon on investment in Myanmar. Singapore’s Center for Management Technology will host three events in Yangon in October as part of its Invest Myanmar series. An official from Myanmar’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation will speak at a commercial farming symposium October 11–12, followed by a discussion October 16 on telecommunications sector reform with the deputy director of Myanmar Posts and Communications, and the Second New Myanmar Investment Summit October 17–18 featuring the deputy minister of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development. Please click here for more information.

Discussion on Taiwan’s role in sovereignty disputes. The CSIS Freeman Chair in China Studies will host a discussion October 17 on Taiwan’s role in territorial and maritime disputes in the South and East China Seas. Speakers will include the National Policy Foundation’s Ambassador Stephen Chen, Armitage International’s Randy Schriver, the Stimson Center’s Alan Romberg, and CSIS senior adviser and Freeman Chair in China Studies Christopher Johnson. The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the CSIS B1 Conference Room. Please click here to RSVP.

Rachmat Gobel to speak at CSIS. The CSIS Chair for Southeast Asia Studies will host a discussion October 23 with Rachmat Gobel, chairman of the Gobel Group and vice president of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event will be held as part of CSIS’s Derwin Pereira Indonesia Initiative, which seeks to enhance understanding of Indonesia and its public policy. The event will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the CSIS B1 Conference Center. A formal invitation and further information will follow.

Symposium on sustainable development in Myanmar. Partnerships for International Strategies in Asia will host a one-day conference October 24 on climate-friendly development and sustainable finance in Myanmar. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Elliot School of International Affairs, Lindner Family Commons, Room 602, 1957 E Street, NW. For more information, e-mail pisa@gwu.edu. Please click here to register.

Conversation with former Timor-Leste president Jose Ramos-Horta. The Asia Society will host former Timor-Leste president Jose Ramos-Horta October 29 for a discussion on the challenges of peace-making and peace-building in Asia. The event will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue, 70th Street, New York. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Talk on Malaysia and the South China Sea. The Malaysia-America Society and the ASEAN Studies Center will cosponsor an event November 1 examining Malaysia’s role in the South China Sea disputes. Speakers will include Zakaria Ahmad of HELP University in Kuala Lumpur and former journalist Eddie Lachica. The event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at American University’s School of International Service, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW.

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